University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram was established in 1937. Earlier it was known as University of Travancore which eventually became the University of Kerala. The university was established by a promulgation of the Maharaja of Travancore, Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma who was also the first Chancellor of the University. The University had three campuses located in three different parts of the State viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulum and Kozhikode.

In 1968, the University Centre at Kozhikode became a full -fledged University covering the colleges and departments located in Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur Districts of Kerala. At present, the University has sixteen faculties and 41 departments of teaching and research. There are 157 affiliated colleges. Of these, 46 are aided Arts and Science colleges and 14 are unaided.